POST MEDIEVAL PLAQUE

1550

Lead alloy plaque. Cast figurative plaque with a loop at the top for attachment. The display side bears a face with its mouth agape, small nose, and eyebrows raised over staring eyes, and with tresses of hair above and falling to either side. Features such as the bottom lip and the brows are strongly modelled though the rendition as a whole should be characterised as low relief. Lightly patinated overall. The expression is one of rage or some other strong emotion. The object resembles a miniature of a theatrical mask as would be worn by performers in the Classical drama. As the object comes from a location noted for Roman-period occupation, and drama had strong religious connotations, an early date and a ritual or cultic association might be considered. However, and as observed by the finder, a low lug or ingate and a straight casting line on the flat back both appear too fresh and crisp for this object to be of such an age. This could, therefore, be an example of Renaissance or Neo-Classical imitation of ancient forms, executed with considerable knowledge and respect for its original model. Suggested date: probably Post-Medieval, 1550-1650.Height: 42.4mm, Width: 36.2mm, Thickness: 6.3mm, Weight: 28.61gms.